Hot VWs Magazine - Latest Issue – May 2024 Edition

Hot VWs Magazine May 2024: Forever Young Bought New And Still Driving It!

On the cover: Mimi purchased her Bug new in 1970, and has covered over 400,000 miles since! (Photo: Shin Watanabe)

MIMI’S 70 BEETLE GO, LOVEY, GO!
This one-owner, original Beetle is the property of a 91-year-old lady – and the car is still going strong. It looks like driving an air-cooled VW is the way to keep you young and in good shape!

Canada’s Biggest VW Show Weekend
On a personal level, experiencing the vibrant VW scene in Vancouver, Canada, evokes a sense of nostalgia. It’s almost like returning to my hometown. Despite not being a native, the connection runs deep, as both of my beloved air-cooled rides originated from this picturesque city. It feels like a homecoming to the breathtaking landscapes of Beautiful British Columbia.

Comfort on the Go!
Being based on the stark 11-window Kombi, VW campers such as the Westfalia offered few exterior frills during the Split Bus era. But what if Volkswagen had used a “more window”, better appointed version for its camper conversations? Well, it might have looked like this 1966 model, owned by Gerry Gutierrez, a model loaded with accessories!

Old School Power! PART 3
Welcome back to our nostalgic 1700cc engine build. In this issue, we will tackle the cylinder heads, as back when I first built my engine there were basically only one dual-port casting available – Type 3! I purchased a pair used for $50, and drove with them, stock, for months, until one Friday morning, Ron Fleming and I took them off, stripped them down and began porting on them.

Fiesta En La Playa #10
The City of Imperial Beach hosted the 10th Annual Fiesta VW Show, bringing together participants from all over Southern California & Mexico. Beautiful blue skies and the Pacific Ocean as the bacK drop were sure to create a party atmosphere and a family-friendly day of Volkswagens and surf!

DREAMS do Come True!
Envision a dream taking shape, a dream which transcends the ordinary. For Serge Le Flohic, this dream materialized in the form of an extraordinary Woody Beetle. Guided by the creative brush strokes of artist Pascal Meslet’s illustrations, Serge’s project emerged as a unique creation, a testament to his unwavering passion for the world of cars and customization.

Smileage Guaranteed
Do you remember the days when air-cooled models graced the showrooms of Volkswagen dealerships? Or have you daydreamed about a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant 1950s and ‘60s, where dealerships were adorned with classic air-cooled VWs? At Capistrano Volkswagen in San Juan Capistrano, California, this dream became a reality for vintage fans during one unforgettable day.

The Purple Padilla Ghia
Colorado’s Bobby Padilla practically grew up around Volkswagens. Since the age of four, they’ve been a part of his life. Naturally, when he decided to restore a car, the choice was an easy one. What he didn’t know, is he would be restoring the same car he was treasuring years before.

THE BEN PON SHOW
Following two successful editions in 2014 and 2018, many Volkswagen enthusiasts were eagerly looking forward to the next Barndoor meet. Participants therefore prepared their vintage VWs for the trip and organized convoys from Germany, the UK, Scandinavia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Italy, and more. Ultimately, the event drew spectators from more than 30 countries.

And More!